Upstate stores gearing up for holiday shopping ahead of weekend

Monday

Nov 19, 2012 at 12:01 AMNov 20, 2012 at 1:54 AM

The national shopping phenomenon of Black Friday could be upstaged this year by the new trend of Black Thursday, as retailers are getting off to an even earlier start to lure deal-seeking customers with discounts and promotions.

By Trevor Andersontrevor.anderson@shj.com

The national shopping phenomenon of Black Friday could be upstaged this year by the new trend of Black Thursday, as retailers are getting off to an even earlier start to lure deal-seeking customers with discounts and promotions.Whatever the day, this week officially marks the start of the holiday shopping season.After finishing their Thanksgiving feasts, thousands of residents are expected to once again crowd local shopping malls, braving packed parking lots, traffic, long lines and cold weather.But there are a few things area consumers will need to know in order to beat the crowds and survive one of the busiest shopping days of the year and beyond.Last month, the Washington, D.C.-based National Retail Federation said it expects holiday sales will increase this year by 4.1 percent to $586.1 billion."We're expecting (our results) will be in line with that," said Spencer Dawkins, general manager of WestGate Mall, which is owned by CBL & Associates Properties Inc. "We've had increases this year, and we're definitely seeing it so far. There is a lot of buzz about this being a good holiday season."WestGate Mall officially will open at 5 a.m. Black Friday, but some stores will open at midnight.Last week, Dawkins said 47 stores were planning to opening at midnight on Black Friday. Department store Belk also will open at midnight. Sears will open at 8 p.m. Thursday. JCPenney will open at 6 a.m., and Dillard's at 8 a.m. Dawkins said customers can take advantage of some other happenings going on throughout the holiday shopping season.The Salvation Army's Angel Tree in the food court will be collecting gifts until Dec. 22. Shoppers can have photos of their pets taken with Santa from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2. On Nov. 27, the mall will celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day, and customers will be surprised at random with food and store purchases paid for.Throughout December, WestGate Mall will host live Christmas music from various choral groups in the area. "We're trying to add a little extra holiday cheer," Dawkins said.Gaffney Premium Outlets again will host its annual Midnight Madness event on Black Friday, which features special holiday savings, promotions and shopping hours extended to 10 p.m. But a select group of stores will open before midnight."This is the fifth year that Gaffney Premium Outlets is opening at midnight on Black Friday, and each year this event grows so much that some stores will open at 9 p.m. Thanksgiving evening," said Sharon Campbell, general manager of Gaffney Premium Outlets. "Our merchants recognize the importance of the upcoming sale and holiday season as a whole, and we certainly expect them to put their best foot forward. Outlet shoppers expect great deals, and we will not disappoint. We're very excited about the days and weeks ahead. This is a time where the outlets really shine."The National Retail Federation said it expects about 147 million people nationwide to shop on Black Friday weekend, a slight decrease from the 152 million who did so last year, based on the results of a survey recently conducted.Sales during Black Friday weekend in 2011 were $52.4 billion, the trade association said."Though the Black Friday tradition is here to stay, there's no question that it has changed in recent years: already there is a tremendous amount of excitement and anticipation surrounding retailers' Thanksgiving and Black Friday promotions," the federation's President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. "It's critical for retail companies to constantly evolve as consumers do. And right now, shoppers want great deals, good value and convenience — exactly what we're seeing with this season's late and early openings, price-matching, layaway and mobile offerings."The retail federation suggested customers also look for deals on Cyber Monday — the Monday after Black Friday that retailers use to encourage online shopping.The group said Shop.org's website CyberMonday.com will feature promotions and deals from hundreds of retailers, as well as a Deal of the Hour on Black Friday from more than 20 different retailers. Retailers participating in Deal of the Hour include Sears.com, Kohl's, Macys.com, Sephora.com, drugstore.com, eBags.com and Barnes & Noble.Deals will include free shipping specials, dollars off and even free gifts with purchase. Retailers also will use CyberMonday.com to promote their Cyber Monday Deal of the Hour.

- Have a game plan. Check center map, sales information and all the details you need to determine your plan-of-attack. Knowing ahead of time will make shopping less overwhelming when you hit the center on Black Friday. Establish your gift list in advance. - Take Advantage of extra perks. For example, sign up for free for the VIP Shopper Club at www.premiumoutlets.com/vip to receive exclusive online coupons, a voucher for a free Coupon Book, insider news and info, shopping tips and more.- Timing is everything. Many stores offer extra savings as an incentive for early shoppers, but if getting up early is not your forte, shop later in the day.- Create a Black Friday survival kit. Arm yourself with everything you’ll need to make your shopping experience pleasant. Bring practical items such as a digital music player, book or magazine to help pass the time while braving long lines.- Dress for the occasion. Pick an outfit that’s comfortable and practical. Wear layers so you can easily try on other pieces over your own tank or tee. The right shoes matter, so wear shoes or boots that slide on and off easily and are comfortable enough for navigating through the center and make waiting in long lines a breeze.-Shop with people who love to shop. Shopping this weekend is not for the meek and timid. It is best to shop with people who also love to shop and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Tag team: text what each of you are finding, have one person stand in line for your favorite store while the other person shops.- Make friends with people in line. A spirit of camaraderie will not only make the long wait more pleasant, it can also be great if you’re shopping alone and need someone to hold your place in line while you take a quick bathroom break.- Be social. Black Friday is no longer confined only to the Thanksgiving Day paper. Stores will post information and offer extra discounts on their Facebook and Twitter pages.- Don’t Hesitate. If you see it and love it, buy it because it will be gone soon. Merchandise sells fast, and the item may never be sold again, especially during the after-Thanksgiving weekend sale when the deals are unbeatable.- Bring your game face, your sense of humor, your patience and your wallet. Smile your way through the crowds and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.- Stick to a budget. When shopping for yourself, take an inventory of what is already in your closet and buy only what you truly need. When shopping for gifts, know how much you want to spend on each person beforehand.

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